Psalm 90 12

Psalm 90:12 kjv

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 nkjv

So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 niv

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 esv

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 nlt

Teach us to realize the brevity of life,
so that we may grow in wisdom.

Psalm 90 verses

Psalm 90 12 Meaning

Psalm 90:12 is a humble prayer to God, petitioning Him to impart a profound, experiential understanding of the brevity and fragility of human life. This divine teaching is sought not for its own sake, but with the specific purpose of cultivating "a heart of wisdom." This means that the total inner being – including intellect, emotions, will, and conscience – would be directed, enabled, and inclined to live a life marked by spiritual discernment, right choices, and godly priorities, redeemed from folly and purposelessness in light of our finite time.

Psalm 90 12 Context

Psalm 90, uniquely attributed to Moses, is widely considered the oldest psalm in the Bible, likely composed during the Israelite wilderness wanderings (Numbers 13-14). It directly reflects the harrowing reality of the generation condemned by God to die in the wilderness for their unbelief and rebellion (cf. Numbers 14:28-35).

The psalm opens by contrasting God's eternal nature as an everlasting dwelling place and Creator (vv. 1-2) with the profound brevity and frailty of human life (vv. 3-6), which God sweeps away like a dream or grass that withers. This is not merely an observation of human mortality but a direct consequence of divine wrath against sin (vv. 7-11), where human lifespans have been significantly reduced, often filled with sorrow and toil. Within this somber yet awe-filled reflection on God's just judgment and the stark reality of human impermanence, verse 12 stands out as a prayer. It represents Moses' desperate plea for divine illumination for his people, to grasp the true significance of their limited days, lest they continue to waste them in futility and sin. The historical backdrop implies that a correct, divinely imparted understanding of one's mortality is crucial for spiritual restoration, responsible living, and discerning a lasting purpose in the face of fleeting existence.

Psalm 90 12 Word analysis

• So teach us (כֵּן הוֹדַע - ken hodac):

  • כֵּן (ken): "So," "thus," "accordingly." This adverb connects the prayer directly to the preceding verses that establish human mortality and God's timelessness and judgment. It implies, "in light of these sobering realities."
  • הוֹדַע (hodac): This is a Hiphil imperative form of the verb יָדַע (yada), meaning "to know." In the Hiphil stem, it means "cause to know," "make known," "instruct us," or "reveal to us." It is not a request for mere intellectual knowledge but for a divine impartation of experiential, transformative understanding that grips the core of one's being and influences actions. Human beings cannot attain such a profound grasp of life's brevity and meaning on their own.

• to number (לִמְנוֹת - limnot):

  • The infinitive construct of מָנָה (manah), which means "to count," "to number," "to assign," or "to appoint." This implies more than a mere chronological counting. It is an act of evaluating, valuing, or appreciating the finite quantity of one's days. It suggests becoming consciously aware of life's limits, fostering an intentional and deliberate approach to how each day is spent, countering the natural human tendency to presume infinite time.

• our days (יָמֵינוּ - yameinu):

  • יָמִים (yamim) is "days," and the suffix נוּ (-nu) means "our." This refers to the specific, limited, and transient span of each individual human life. It underscores the contrast with God's unending days described in the preceding verses (Psa 90:2-4), emphasizing the shortness of humanity's existence on earth.

• that we may gain/apply (וְנָבִא - v'navi):

  • וְ (v'): "And" or "that," serving here as a consecutive conjunction to introduce the purpose or result of the divine teaching.
  • נָבִא (navi): This is the Hiphil imperfect form of the verb בּוֹא (bo), "to come" or "to enter." In the Hiphil, it means "to bring in," "to lead," "to acquire," "to gain," or "to apply." This signifies an active reception and integration, a deliberate internalizing process. It's not passive; it suggests a conscious directing or "bringing forth" of one's whole being towards wisdom, as excellently captured by the KJV's "apply."

• a heart of (לְבַב - l'vav):

  • לְבָב (levav) is an intensive form of לֵב (lev), meaning "heart." In ancient Hebrew thought, the "heart" is far more than just the seat of emotions; it is the comprehensive center of a person's inner being. This includes the intellect, will, moral conscience, intentions, and decision-making capabilities. "A heart of wisdom" therefore means that wisdom would characterize the very core, nature, and deepest desires of the individual.

• wisdom (חָכְמָה - chochmah):

  • חָכְמָה (chochmah): This refers to practical, spiritual wisdom. It is not merely intellectual knowledge or intelligence, but the ability to live skillfully, discerningly, and righteously in accordance with God's will and truth. This includes making prudent choices, understanding the implications of one's actions, and living a life of godly integrity, often connected to "the fear of the Lord" (Prov 9:10).

Words-Group Analysis:

• "So teach us to number our days": This phrase articulates a humble and urgent spiritual dependency on God. It recognizes that humanity, left to its own devices, easily becomes complacent about life's brevity or fails to discern its true value. The request for divine "teaching" is not for academic instruction, but for a profound, existential realization (cause us to know) of the precious and finite nature of "our days." To "number our days" implies treating each moment with awareness and purpose, viewing life through an eternal lens rather than squandering it.
• "that we may gain a heart of wisdom": This expresses the essential aim of understanding mortality. The conjunction "that" signifies purpose and outcome. It means that the sobering awareness of limited time should culminate in the acquisition of true, godly wisdom. "Gain" (or "apply") emphasizes actively acquiring, embodying, and orienting one's inner life. The "heart" encompasses the entirety of the inner person—intellect, will, and affections—thus implying that wisdom is to permeate one's core being. This "wisdom" (chochmah) enables righteous and purposeful living, guiding one to make choices that align with God's will and invest in eternal realities, effectively transforming transient knowledge into enduring spiritual character.

Psalm 90 12 Bonus section

The unique attribution of Psalm 90 to Moses, "the man of God," invests this prayer with immense historical and spiritual weight, as it comes from a leader who experienced God's judgment and grace intimately for 40 years. The phrase "teach us" in verse 12 signifies that such transformative insight into life and death is not something naturally acquired through human intellect or experience, but requires divine revelation. The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, renders "to number our days" as "to perfect our days," which expands on the idea, suggesting that an awareness of mortality allows one to live fully and complete their intended purpose each day, rather than merely counting them. This verse subtly contrasts human efforts to prolong life with the divine imperative to deepen life's meaning through spiritual wisdom, emphasizing quality of life in God's sight over mere quantity.

Psalm 90 12 Commentary

Psalm 90:12 stands as a timeless prayer, rising from the stark reality of human mortality, itself a consequence of divine judgment against sin. Attributed to Moses, it encapsulates a yearning for purpose and direction in a finite, often troubled existence. The petition "So teach us to number our days" is a profound acknowledgment of humanity's tendency to live heedlessly, as if time is limitless. It’s not merely about knowing our age or the average lifespan, but about God supernaturally revealing the fragility and ultimate value of each passing moment. This divinely-imparted perspective cuts through self-deception and worldly distractions, forcing an awareness that life is a fleeting gift.

The ultimate goal of this teaching is to "gain a heart of wisdom." The Hebrew concept of "heart" encompasses the entirety of the inner self—mind, will, and emotion—meaning wisdom is to penetrate and govern one's entire being. This wisdom is not just intellectual but practical and spiritual; it’s chochmah, the ability to live skillfully, discerningly, and righteously in God's sight. Therefore, recognizing our limited days serves as a powerful impetus for spiritual growth, leading to a life lived with intentionality, valuing what is eternal over what is temporal. It directs priorities toward godliness, humility, and seeking the kingdom of God, prompting us to make the best use of the time, redeeming each moment for God's glory.

Examples:

• A person facing a serious illness may gain new appreciation for each day, shifting priorities from career ambitions to strengthening family bonds or spiritual devotion.
• Someone nearing retirement may reflect on how to invest their remaining years in service or discipleship, rather than solely on personal leisure.
• Daily, consciously living each day as if it might be one's last, leads to repentance, gratitude, and a deeper desire to honor God with present opportunities.